8 Strategies We’ve Used to Pay off Over $80,000 of Debt

8 Strategies We’ve Used to Pay off Over $80,000 of Debt

After I finished grad school, I found myself underemployed and buried in $75,000 of student loan debt.  I didn’t know what to do. I could barely afford the minimum payments on a 10 year repayment plan, but I couldn’t stand the idea of paying off my loans over 25 years...

How to Earn Free Gift Cards with Shopkick

How to Earn Free Gift Cards with Shopkick

Since the hubby and I are trying to pay off our remaining $47,000 of student loan debt by the end of this year, I'm always looking for easy ways to earn a little extra money. We need to be super frugal while we pay off the debt and that means we don't get to treat...

My 3 Year Spending Ban: 25 Things I Stopped Buying

My 3 Year Spending Ban: 25 Things I Stopped Buying

When my hubby and I decided to pay off our combined $117,000 of student loan debt in just three years, I knew I would need to make some major changes in order to achieve this aggressive (and slightly insane) goal. I’ve never been a huge spender, but I used to splurge...

3 Signs You’re Ready to Start a Business

3 Signs You’re Ready to Start a Business

Millennials are at a unique time in their lives and careers right now. Many Millennials are starting to get the point where they’ve finished school and started careers. As they move along in those careers, they may start weighing whether or not they want to start...

A Frugal Day Trip: 3 Cheap Things to Do in Taylors Falls, MN

A Frugal Day Trip: 3 Cheap Things to Do in Taylors Falls, MN

Want to go on vacation but can’t afford it?  How about going on a day trip?  If you live in the Midwest, Taylors Falls is a great (and cheap) option. Located right on the Minnesota/Wisconsin border, Taylors Falls is an hour drive from the Twin Cities.  It’s also one...

Ibotta App Review: How to Earn Cash Back for Everyday Shopping

Ibotta App Review: How to Earn Cash Back for Everyday Shopping

My husband and I stick to a super strict budget since we're trying to pay off $117,000 of student loan debt in just three years. The only area where we REALLY have a problem with overspending is groceries. That's why I was excited to learn about the Ibotta app!...

Can Simple Living be Taken Too Far?

Can Simple Living be Taken Too Far?

I recently read an article called The Problem With Simple Living on one of my favorite blogs.  At first, I disagreed with the article and felt a little defensive.  (“Minimalism is awesome!  It’s not a problem!”).  But the more I thought about it, the more I realized...

7 Ways to Make Money Blogging

7 Ways to Make Money Blogging

People often ask me how it’s possible to make money blogging and sometimes they seem a bit skeptical.  Before I started blogging a couple years ago, I had no idea that it was possible to earn an income from blogging. Many personal finance bloggers post their income...

7 Ways to Save on Wedding Food and Alcohol

7 Ways to Save on Wedding Food and Alcohol

The average wedding in the U.S. costs $30,000.  Two of the most expensive aspects of a typical wedding are the food and alcohol.  When I was planning my wedding, I was stunned to see how many venues charged $8,000+ for the food alone. If your total budget is $12,000...